Bungoma County Public Participation and Civic Education Policy 2020

Abstract

Devolution and public participation are perhaps two of the most paradigmatic innovations of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. In Article 174(c), the Constitution states that one of the ‘objects of devolution are: “to enhance the participation of people in the exercise of the powers of the State and in making decisions affecting them.” Further, Article 184 (1) (c) requires that mechanisms for participation by residents be included in the national legislation relating to urban areas and cities governance and management. Thus, devolution gives powers of self-governance to the people and enhances their participation in decisions that affect them, as well recognize the rights of communities to manage their own affairs and further their development. This provision was meant to address marginalization, unequal distribution of the national resources and cascade the decision-making role to the general citizenry.